NFL draft preview: Offensive line

Rich Campbell, Tribune reporter

As the NFL draft nears — it takes place May 8-10 — we're taking an 11-day, position-by-position look at what's out there and what the Bears need.

Bears status

All five starters return from last year's overhauled group, which helped Matt Forte rush for a career-high 1,339 yards. The line, which included two rookies among four new starters, also helped produce the team's best sacks-to-pass attempts ratio since 2006. First-round pick Kyle Long made the Pro Bowl at right guard, and right tackle Jordan Mills established himself as a fifth-round bounty. Reserve swing tackle Eben Britton re-signed, and new backup center Brian de la Puente started the last three seasons for the Saints.

Level of draft need: High, Moderate, LOW

After years of underachievement and ineffectiveness, the Bears established quality and stability up front. Left tackle Jermon Bushrod (age 30 by Week 1), left guard Matt Slauson (28) and Long are under team control for four more years, and Mills is for three. The Bears must plan for life without center Robert Garza (35), so drafting a late-round prospect would make sense even with de la Puente (29) signed through 2014. Acquiring any developmental linemen in the late rounds or as undrafted free agents could fortify depth that wasn't tested last season because the starters stayed healthy.

Top prospect

Greg Robinson, Auburn, left tackle

6-5, 332 pounds

Worth a look: Robinson might be drafted as early as second overall by the Rams because of his dominant run blocking. His reputation as a mauler comes from how he uses his strength and power to take defenders out of plays. He plays with enough balance and agility to project as a quality pass blocker. Physically, he matches the prototype for a quality left tackle partly because of his 35-inch arms.

Stay away: Teams picking in the top 10 must decide whether Robinson's pass blocking, particularly his hand technique, will develop and whether he can consistently finish blocks at a level worthy of such a big investment.

Intriguing options

Jonotthan Harrison, Florida, center

6-3, 304 pounds

Worth a look: Harrison could be an option for the Bears on Day 3 because of his strength in run blocking and how he made pass protection calls and checks at Florida. He can adequately bend and anchor. The three-year starter was a team captain in 2013, and he played in every game over the last four seasons.

Stay away: His athleticism in getting to the second level and blocking in space do not stand out. Bending at the waist was problematic at times on unsuccessful blocks.

Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma, center

6-4, 304 pounds

Worth a look: Ikard has positional versatility, a coveted trait for late-round prospects. He totaled 18 starts at left guard during his first two seasons before moving to center full time. As evidence of his intelligence, he won several national academic awards and he was responsible for blocking calls. Intangibles such as work ethic, character and toughness are worth a Day 3 investment. He ran the fastest 20-yard shuttle time (4.37 seconds) of any offensive lineman at the combine.

Stay away: He must get stronger and improve his blocking technique, especially balance and timing. His ability to anchor against bigger defensive tackles is unproven.

Michael Schofield, Michigan, guard/tackle

6-6, 301 pounds

Worth a look: Schofield was a two-year starter at right tackle, just as Mills was before the Bears drafted him in the fifth round last year. The Sandburg product also has starting experience at left guard. His lower body strength is an asset in run blocking, and his hands are violent in pass protection. He is strong enough to anchor against power rushers provided he is balanced in his set.

Stay away: His ability to pass block speed rushers off the edge must improve, and he isn't particularly athletic in getting to the second level.

Sleeper

Corey Linsley, Ohio State, center

6-2, 301 pounds

Worth a look: Linsley is strong enough to control defenders with his upper body and anchor against big interior linemen. His 36 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press tied for second most among offensive linemen at the combine. The Buckeyes' team captain was responsible for blocking calls, and his character intangibles could help him make a team.

Stay away: Linsley doesn't have quick feet or a long reach. He probably has to gain eight to 10 pounds, but for a player who wouldn't be asked to play right away, that shouldn't be a problem.